Iran Crisis Update, January 5, 2023
Jan 5, 2023 - ISW Press![](https://understandingwar.org/sites/default/files/styles/square_thumbnail/public/Icon%20Iran%20Crisis%20Update%20%282%29_3.jpg?itok=wpGLBfTi)
Regime officials and entities are endorsing an expansive, collective-punishment model to implement mandatory veiling laws as anti-regime demonstrations enter their fourth consecutive month. Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi stressed the importance of the hijab on January 5. Vahidi confirmed reports that the regime began issuing texts warning unveiled women drivers to adhere to hijab laws and described veiling as a “legal issue” and core component of the Islamic Republic’s religious values. The judiciary has additionally submitted for review a draft bill that would replace Article 638 of the Islamic Penal Code, which outlines the consequences for failing to adhere to the state-imposed hijab law, within the past several days.